Press Coverage: Eberflus, Moore, Williams Discuss Offensive Growth, Communication, London Game

Welcome to this week's edition of "Press Coverage." Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, quarterback Caleb Williams, and wide receiver DJ Moore took the podium from London, England to discuss the team's growth and upcoming Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here are the biggest takeaways from Wednesday's media session held across the pond.

Matt Eberflus

Bears Week 6 Injury Report

Matt Eberflus started his press conference with this week's injury report , confirming that three players didn't travel with the team. Starting safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion), backup cornerback Terell Smith (hip), and backup defensive tackle Zaach Pickens (groin) are out for Sunday's contest against the Jaguars.

When pressed about Brisker's concussion history and how to approach conversations about tackling, Eberflus said Brisker has "done a good job of keeping his head out of the game (avoiding leading with his head)" and that the injury "was an unfortunate incident on that play."

Eberflus also noted that nickel corner Kyler Gordon (heel) and guard Teven Jenkins (ankle) were limited in Wednesday's walkthrough and the team will reevaluate both players during Thursday's practice.

Related: Bears Week 6 Injury Report: 3 Defenders OUT vs. Jaguars

Practice Regimen in London

With the time difference (London is 6 hours ahead of Chicago) and the Bears' decision to fly in early, Eberflus spoke about how the team would handle this week's practice schedule.

His main concern is getting players used to the time difference and making sure everyone is physically ready for Sunday. After flying in Monday, the players had an off day Tuesday before regrouping Wednesday.

Wednesday's practice was consistent with the team's typical early-week work. The Bears started by going through their keys to victory for offense, defense, and special teams, followed by positional meetings. Eberflus lauded their hotel and how "great the setup" is with "plenty of space."

Team meetings were followed by walkthrough sessions, the first lasting for about 35 minutes and the second around 30 minutes. Eberflus repeatedly mentioned a "normal Wednesday" and seemed to revel in the continuity they were able to create.

To finish out the week of practice, the Bears will work in shells on Thursday, focusing on first, second, and third downs, switching to red zone work during Friday's practice before going through their normal walkthrough on Saturday.

Eberflus reiterated his praise for the venue, stating, "This is a great facility. People are super nice, really accommodating to all of our needs."

Next Man Up

With Brisker ruled out against Jacksonville, Eberflus discussed the next man up, third-year safety Elijah Hicks. The seventh-round pick has started eight games over his first two seasons and will get his ninth this Sunday.

"Elijah's done a really good job for us in the past. He's been in our system (for three years), so we trust him, he knows the system well," the Bears coach said, adding that Hicks is "excited about the opportunity."

When pressed further about Hicks' growth as a player, Eberflus pointed to the continuity and experience of working work with the other starters over his two-plus years in the league, noting how he's "focusing on good technique" and "good fundamentals."

Eberflus also acknowledged that the game has slowed for the young safety, stating, "I think he's got his body under control" and "[he] understands how to how to really do a good job with leverage points" in coverage.

Gervon Dexter Sr.'s Growth

Through five games, the Bears' defense is one of the best in the league largely thanks to second-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.

With four sacks to date, Dexter Sr. has already surpassed his total of 2.5 from last year. And with 10 QB hits, the Florida product is routinely terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. Eberflus attributes that to Dexter Sr.'s work ethic and size.

"Yeah he's done really well for us... but to me it's about the work he's put in," the Bears coach said.

Dexter Sr.'s body transformation was a hot topic during OTAs and mini-camp, but Eberflus has been equally impressed with his toughness and focus.

"I've seen he's really worked himself into the position he's in so his execution, his production is really no surprise to me."

Even with the high praise of the big man's play so far, Eberflus thinks bigger things are on the horizon.

"I really believe that he's going to take some bigger strides here coming forward because he continues to work with great determination every single day," he said of Dexter Sr.

It seems the Bears have found the engine of the defense, as Eberflus often refers to the 3-technique spot on the line.

DJ Moore

Time and Money

When asked about the biggest hurdles to overcome when playing in London, Moore pointed to the two things most tourists deal with — spending too much money and jet lag.

"Not trying to go spend all your money out here shopping is the biggest thing and probably the time change," he said.

As far as spending money, Moore admitted to going on a food tour that had a stop in London's Chinatown, noting he had some "great times, great vibes" and that he didn't think the time or jet lag would be a problem with the team's early arrival on Monday night.

When one reporter asked if being acclimated to the time change was a factor in early, big leads and getting off to a fast start, More concurred.

"Yeah, you definitely can get off to a fast start if you really get acclimated here early on in the week instead of just coming out here later on," he explained, pointing out that the body needs time to adjust.

Fast Temple

Over the past couple of games, the Bears' offense has utilized no-huddle scenarios and playing more up-tempo. Moore said getting on the ball faster "keeps the defense on their toes" as they're forced to stay in base personnel or go with the same defense as the previous play.

"It's easier to dissect for Caleb [Williams]. So just playing fast tempo, you know, it's an advantage for us and we got to be on it," Moore shared.

He also pointed to how prior success passing can lead to a better ability to run the ball and vice versa.

"If one thing's going, then the other one is definitely going to hit."

The thought is if the team is passing the ball well, the defense won't stack the box, allowing the Bears to run the ball "down their throat." And once that clicks, "We could take a deep shot, so it marries up."

That's complementary football!

Caleb's Bossy

The conversation turned to quarterback Caleb Williams and the strides he's made in back-to-back wins and his overall leadership.

"It's amazing you know. He's taking those strides that he needs to," Moore said. "He's been bossy lately, telling us that we need to be on the details."

Moore admitted Williams was correct and that everyone on the offense needs to be focused so the quarterback can "be the best player he needs to be."

When asked if Williams was asserting himself more as a leader recently, Moore said he's been a leader from the start, while also clarifying his "bossy" comment.

"So what I mean by bossy is (if) we don't hit something in practice, he's going to tell us how we need to run it," he said, agreeing that the offense needs that while joking that Williams would "have some words for you if you don't, so that's him being a leader."

"He's a little bossy, you know," Moore said with a smile, adding that "he's like little bro, so you like looking at him like, dude be talking to me like that?"

Jokes aside, Moore admitted that he understood Williams' need to have those conversations and that they led to last week's success.

"So I took his advice. I listen(ed). You know what I'm saying? Old bro had to take a backseat for a second."

Caleb Williams

Poise in the Pocket

Earlier Wednesday, general manager Ryan Poles spoke about how he's seen improvement in Williams' poise in the pocket, especially with the offensive line creating more depth within the pocket. How does the rookie quarterback see it?

He feels more comfortable and has a better understanding of how his linemen block.

"I mean obviously (it) helps me when they can create more depth in a pocket," Williams said. "That goes for any quarterback."

But Williams also acknowledged it's about his teammates understanding and getting used to him.

"When I'm back there, in practice/games, just getting used to everybody... and I think they're all, you know, getting used to me. How I throw (and) where I tend to be in the pocket."

Williams believes things have been settling down the offense as a whole. From Week 1 against Tennessee through Sunday's win over Carolina, he's seen the progress, lauding the constant communication from his teammates and coaches.

"That's huge. Like I've spoke about before and I think we've been getting better at it," he said.

With a two-game winning streak, it's hard to argue.

A Little Sassy

When told that wide receiver DJ Moore referred to Williams as "bossy" regarding communication with the offense, the quarterback said, "That sounds a little sassy" as he flashed his trademark smile. But Williams knows he has to learn how each of his teammates reacts to his constructive criticism or direction.

"Certain people you can be a little bossy with. Certain people you have to talk very monotone and in control of yourself. A lot of times...you can just kind of lash out."

And even though he's not one to lash out, he recognizes that it's about talking and keeping the lines of communication open with his teammates.

Furthermore, Williams acknowledged how he's changed and evolved. He noted that he's "growing up a little bit" and getting better at handling his frustrations when a play or drive doesn't go as planned.

"Understanding that, you know, there's another drive coming. There's another part of the season that you know we have to focus on."

Williams knows that he can go over and talk to his teammates. He also understands that he's improved at what he needs to say and how he needs to express himself over the first five games of the season.

"Getting more comfortable and understanding the offense a little bit better. Getting more comfortable calling it and things like that," he said, adding that live-action reps and experiences have helped him.

William also realizes this applies to his relationship with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. He believes they're getting better as the season progresses, pointing out that he needs to speak up more while continuing to temper any frustration that arises.

"I think that that progress has grown from the first game to now."

Caleb vs. Other Rookies

In case you haven't noticed, the national media has created a Caleb Williams vs. Jayden Daniels narrative early in the season, especially with the Washington Commanders' signal-caller looking like one of the best rookie quarterbacks in league history (at least through five games).

You won't see Williams feeding into that story.

"I think the biggest thing is not being, not trying to be in someone else's shoes."

While acknowledging that he sees those results, Williams knows it's expected of high draft picks.

"So watching them, (I) don't feel any way. Obviously, I want to go out there and play, be who I am."

Instead, Williams' focus is on staying true to himself and taking the field with the goal of winning. It's all that matters at the end of the day. And to cement his point, he referenced the GOAT.

"I think it's why Michael Jordan is the goat...he wins," he said (to the delight of Chicago fans).

"You know that game each week (is) the most important thing and most important stat at the end all be all."

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